ODS Outreach and Programs

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. The 2019 theme is "The Right Talent, Right Now." The 2019 NDEAM theme emphasizes the essential role people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Office of Disability Services would like you to join us in recognizing October as NDEAM and in celebrating the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities.

The Office of Disability Services cordially invites you to attend the following NDEAM events:

Title I of the ADAAA | October 1, 2019 | 1:30 to 3:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-5.1
Disability Etiquette 101 | October 2, 2019 | 5:00 to 6:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-3.1
We Are One Initiative: Epilepsy Training Program | October 7, 2019 | 2:00 to 4:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-21.3
Mahogany Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma | October 10, 2019 | 4:00 to 6:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-14.1
National LATINX HIV/AIDS Awareness Day | October 15, 2019 | 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-7.1, 3-9.1, 3-10.1,3-11.1, and Hub 1 & 2
Accessibility Procurement and the Law | October 21, 2019 | 2:00 to 3:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-5.1
Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Information Booth | October 23, 2019 | 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in LBJSC Hub 2
It’s a Zoo Out There: Understanding Animals on Campus | October 29, 2019 | 1:30 to 3:00p.m. in LBJSC 3-5.1
We Are One Initiative: Epilepsy Training Program | October 30, 2019 | 4:00 to 5:30p.m. in Avery Building, Room 453

Join the Office of Disability Services as we recognize the contributions of all individuals regardless of their disability as playing integral roles in the workforce and in society.

Accessible Disability Awareness Month '19 Events Flyer (PDF, 166 KB)

We Are One Initiative: Texas State University

In celebration of World Health Day, the Texas State University Office of Disability Services will again be hosting the “We Are One Initiative: Texas State University Epilepsy Training Program" through the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas each semester. Professionals from the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas will not only train students, faculty and staff to support students undergoing epileptic episodes but will also develop their knowledge on what epilepsy is.

The Office of Disability Services helps to foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment through an intersectional model that helps build and maintain partnerships across the university community. We envision a campus community where all individuals are valued and contributing members of society.

The “We Are One Initiative” is a plan that ensures all Texas State University faculty, staff and students are not only trained to deal with students undergoing epilepsy episodes, but also gives them knowledge on what epilepsy is. This initiative also invites students to gain knowledge as well as become trained themselves.

Event Details:

When: Monday, October 7, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00p.m.

Where: LBJSC Room 3-21.3

Accessible We Are One Initiative Texas State University Epilepsy Training Program Flyer (PDF, 179 KB)

World Mental Health Day: Mahogany Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

World Mental Health Day is observed on the 10th of October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

This panel discussion will provide an opportunity for stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Panel participants include representatives from the Office of Disability Services, University Police Department, Health Center, Counseling Center, Veterans Academic Success Center and the Department of Counseling, Adult Leadership and School Psychology.

Event Details:

When: Thursday, October 8, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00p.m.

Where: LBJSC 3-14.1

Mahogany Mental Health Awareness Bobcats Breaking the Stigma Flyer with Stamp of Approval ACCESSIBLE (PDF, 932 KB)

National LATINX AIDS Awareness Day

National LATINX AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) is observed each year on October 15 to increase awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. ODS partners with the Community Action Inc. to conduct HIV screening and AIDS prevention and with the Queer Cats and Healthy Cats student organizations to provide information related to HIV/AIDS awareness.

Event Details:

When: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Where: LBJSC 3-7.1, 3-9.1, 3-10.1,3-11.1, and Hub 1 & 2

Accessible National LATINX AIDS Awareness Day Flyer (PDF, 308 KB)

Accessibility Procurement and the Law

Both the United States and International governments have developed legislation to ensure equal rights for people with disabilities, including equivalent access to electronic and information technology. In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law (29 U.S.C § 794 (d)) applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information comparable to the access available to others.

This Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first anti-discrimination law for persons with disabilities. The law prohibited discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal funds of $2,500 or more per year. Financial assistance may be in the form of grants, contracts, or general assistance. Such organizations are required to make reasonable modifications in settings and facilities to increase accessibility to persons with disabilities. These organizations are required to follow nondiscrimination policies for workers and participants with disabilities.

Since most universities (both public and private) receive federal funds through grants and other contracts, universities have been required to follow the legislative mandates for over 25 years. Although there are several sections to the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the primary section particularly relevant to postsecondary settings is Section 504 which focuses on providing equal opportunity to qualified persons with disabilities.

This presentation will address the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 and other laws and mandates pertinent to individuals with disabilities.

Event Details:

When: Monday, October 21, 2019 from 2 - 3 PM

Where: LBJSC Room 3-5.1

Accessibility Procurement and the Law Flyer with Student Involvement approval (PDF, 72 KB)

The Office of Disability Services at Texas State University recognizes disability as a part, but not an exclusive aspect, of the identity of individuals with disabilities. As such, we have operationalized a social justice model in lieu of a clinical one. This intersectional model aims to support the wholistic needs of all students as valued members of the campus community through our intentional regard for diversity, equity, and inclusion.